Container with improved fluid dissemination

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a fluid container that includes a reservoir configured for holding a fluid, the reservoir defined by a top, a bottom, and a surrounding wall formed therebetween; an opening in the top configured for filling fluid into the reservoir; a neck proximate to the opening; a coupler configured for coupling a spout to the fluid container, wherein the spout is slidingly movable through the coupler from a first position to a second position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional applicationSer. No. 14/961,396, filed Dec. 7, 2015, which claims the benefit under35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/124,064, filed on Dec. 8, 2014. The entirety of each application isincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure generally relates to a fluid container withcharacteristics of improved fluid dissemination. More specifically, thedisclosure relates to a fluid container configured with an internallystored, slidingly extendable spout. In particular embodiments, the fluidcontainer may contain motor oil.

Background of the Disclosure

Even in the modern world of today, it remains problematic to quickly andconveniently add motor oil to an engine via typical (and even atypical)spout and oil (or fluid) containers, most commonly found in one-quartsize. Typically, a user removes a cap from the oil container, tips theopen end toward a reservoir—often tucked down among other engineparts—with aspirations that most of the contents of the container emptydirectly into the reservoir. But additional equipment is often needed,such as a funnel or an oil rag to wipe up spills. Spills reduce theamount of oil delivered to the engine, and leave residuals on surfacesof the engine or surrounding floor. Spills subsequently requireadditional time to clean up after.

Funnels have been used but are of limited help, especially since usethereof results in one more items to have on hand. Disposable paperfunnels have been known to collapse, and permanent plastic or metalfunnels become oil covered after use, messy to store, and pick up dirtand grit which, may be carried with subsequently added oil into theengine.

To mitigate problems, it has been known to couple a container nozzlewith an elongated pouring spout. However, this still results indifficulties, as the pouring spout is at just as much risk of causingmess, and attracting dirt and grit during storage.

In the commercial and residential use of hydrocarbons, such as motoroil, dispensing often occurs with use of a funnel. However, rigidfunnels often produce splashing, and further require use of another handor tool in order to keep the funnel stationary and prevent inadvertentmovement. Failure to do so results in additional spillage; in additionto requiring cleanup, spillage creates an environmental hazard.

There is a need in the art for fast, convenient way of disseminating afluid from a container. There is also a need in the art for a fluidcontainer that can disseminate fluids without causing spillage.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a fluid container that mayinclude a reservoir configured for holding a fluid. The reservoir may bedefined by a top, a bottom, and a surrounding wall formed therebetween.There may be an opening in the top configured for filling fluid into thereservoir. There may be a neck proximate to the opening. There may be acoupler configured for coupling a spout to the fluid container. Thespout may be slidingly movable through the coupler from a first positionto a second position. In embodiments the spout and the coupler togetherform an assembly that may be insertable to any fluid container.

The fluid container may include at least some of the fluid.

The fluid may be a liquid. The liquid may be a hydrocarbon. The liquidmay be motor oil (including conventional or synthetic). The fluidcontainer may have a volume of the fluid of about 0.1 to about 1 quart.

The first position may include the spout at least partially within thereservoir. The second position may include the spout at least partiallywithin the reservoir. The first position may include a stored position.The second position may include a dissemination or pouring position.

The coupler may include a vent configured to provide pressureequalization between inside and outside the reservoir.

The spout may include a first end and a second end. The first positionmay include the first end proximate to the neck. The second position mayinclude the second end proximate to the neck.

The fluid container may include a cap threadingly engaged with the neckin a locked position. The cap may be configured to be actuatable fromthe locked position to an unlocked position. In aspects, upon beingmoved to the unlocked position, a bias member may be enabled. The biasmember may be configured to urge the spout from the first position tothe second position.

Other embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a large mouth motor oilbottle that may include a reservoir configured for holding motor oil,the reservoir defined by a top, a bottom, and a surrounding wall formedtherebetween. There may be an opening in the top configured for fillingfluid into the reservoir; a neck proximate to the opening; and aflexible coupler configured for coupling a spout to the large mouth oilcontainer. The spout may be slidingly movable through the coupler from afirst position to a second position. The bottle may include at leastsome motor oil.

The large mouth motor oil bottle may include a volume of motor oil ofabout 0.1 to about 1.5 quarts.

The first position may include the spout at least partially within thereservoir. The second position may include the spout at least partiallywithin the reservoir. The spout may include a first end and a secondend. The first position may include the first end proximate to the neck.The second position may include the second end proximate to the neck.

Yet other embodiments pertain to a container configured with aself-contained extendable, flexible one-piece spout non-integral to thecontainer, and methods of manufacturing and using the same.

These and other embodiments, features and advantages will be apparent inthe following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of embodiments disclosed herein is obtained fromthe detailed description of the disclosure presented herein below, andthe accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration onlyand are not intended to be limitative of the present embodiments, andwherein:

FIG. 1A shows a side view of a fluid container configured with a spoutin a first position, according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 1B shows a side view of a fluid container configured with a spoutin a first position, according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 1C shows a side view of the fluid container of FIG. 1A in a secondposition, according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2A shows a longitudinal side view of a spout and coupler accordingto embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2B shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a spout and coupleraccording to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2C shows a close-up cross-sectional view of the spout and couplerof FIGS. 2A and 2B according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2D shows an isometric view of the spout and coupler of FIGS. 2A and2B according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 3A shows an isometric view a coupler according to embodiments ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 3B shows a side view the coupler of FIG. 3A according toembodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 4A shows a side view of a fluid container configured with acorrugated spout in a first position, according to embodiments of thedisclosure; and

FIG. 4B shows a side views of a fluid container configured with acorrugated spout in a second position, according to embodiments of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Herein disclosed are novel apparatuses, systems, and methods thatpertain to a fluid container with improved fluid dissemination, detailsof which are described herein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail withreference to the accompanying Figures. In the following discussion andin the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in anopen-ended fashion, such as to mean, for example, “including, but notlimited to . . . ”. While the disclosure may be described with referenceto relevant apparatuses, systems, and methods, it should be understoodthat the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments shown ordescribed. Rather, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a varietyof configurations may be implemented in accordance with embodimentsherein.

Although not necessary, like elements in the various figures may bedenoted by like reference numerals for consistency and ease ofunderstanding. Numerous specific details are set forth in order toprovide a more thorough understanding of the disclosure; however, itwill be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that theembodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known features have not been describedin detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.Directional terms, such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,”“back,” etc., are used for convenience and to refer to general directionand/or orientation, and are only intended for illustrative purposesonly, and not to limit the disclosure.

Connection(s), couplings, or other forms of contact between parts,components, and so forth may include conventional items, such aslubricant, additional sealing materials, such as a gasket betweenflanges, PTFE between threads, and the like. Embodiments of thedisclosure provide for one or more components to be new, used, and/orretrofitted to existing machines and systems.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C a partial see-thru isometric view,a longitudinal cross-sectional view, and a side view of a fluidcontainer having an extendable spout movable from a first position and asecond position, respectively, in accordance with embodiments disclosedherein, is shown. Embodiments herein apply to any form of fluidcontainer from which any fluid may be disseminated (or systems/methodswhereby a fluid container is desired or used). Moreover, as would beapparent to one of skill in the art, instead of a fluid, there may be apourable solid, such as sugar or salt.

However, for the sake of brevity, a fluid container in the shape of abottle like a conventional plastic motor oil bottle is hereby described.A conventional plastic oil bottle is typically molded (e.g., blowmolded) from thermoplastic sheet material, wherein the walls, while thinrelative to the bottle length and width, are shape retaining, butsomewhat flexible. Such a bottle may be manufactured in various sizes,with a one quart size being typical, and possibly having a ‘large mouth’for easy filling.

Although not limited to any particular shape or form, the fluidcontainer 100 may include a top 101, a bottom 102, and front, rear, andside walls 103, respectively. In essence, the front, rear, and sidewalls 103 of the fluid container may form a peripheral wall connectingthe top 101 and bottom 102, and defining therewith a reservoir (orliquid storage chamber) 104. An opening 105 may be formed in the top101. The opening may be configured with a neck 106. The neck 106 may beconfigured with threads 107, whereby a cap or cover 108 may bethreadingly disposed thereon and engaged therewith. With the presence ofthe cap 108, the fluid container 100 may have a fluid tight sealtherewith.

The opening 105 and neck 106 may have a coupler 109 disposed therein. Inan embodiment, the coupler 109 (or coupler region) may be integral tothe neck 106. In an embodiment, the coupler 109 may be detachable orotherwise freely movable from the neck 106. The coupler 109 may beconfigured with a first hole (e.g., 310, FIG. 3A) for a spout 112 toslidingly pass therethrough. The coupler 109 may be configured with asecond hole or vent (not shown) suitable to provide pressureequalization (or “burping”) between inside and outside the reservoir104.

The spout 112 may have a first end 113, and a second end 114. As shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B, in a first (or “stored”) position the first send 113may be proximate to the coupler 109. As shown in FIG. 1C, in a second(or “extended”) position the second end 114 may be proximate the coupler109. One or both of the first end 113 and second end 114 may beconfigured with a lip or stopper 115 that prevents the end(s) fromcompletely sliding out of the coupler 109 (as a result of resistancefrom corresponding shoulder 119).

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B a longitudinal side view and alongitudinal cross-sectional view, respectively, of a spout and couplerin accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, is shown. Embodimentsof the disclosure provide for an ability to store spout 112 in a firstposition within a fluid container (100, FIG. 1A). The spout 112 may thenultimately be movable to an external or second position, thus extendingat least partially out of the fluid container.

In this respect, the spout 112 may be movable through a coupler 109. Thecoupler 109 may be an integral part of the fluid container. However,FIGS. 2A and 2B together illustrate the spout 112 and coupler 109 asseparate components forming an assembly that may be insertable into afluid container. Thus, it is within the disclosure that the assembly maybe retrofitted into previously existing containers.

The spout 112 and the coupler 109 may be frictionally engaged. In thisrespect, a slight or gentle force (such as by hand) may be sufficient tourge the spout 112 from the first position to the second position (andany number of intermittent positions therebetween) and vice versa.However, upon removal of the force, sufficient friction exists tomaintain the spout 112 in place until moving force is (re)applied.

The spout 112 may have a first end 113, and a second end 114. Asmentioned, in a first (or “stored”) position the first send 113 may beproximate to the coupler 109. Similarly, in a second (or “extended”)position the second end 114 may be proximate the coupler 109. One orboth of the first end 113 and second end 114 may be configured with alip or stopper 115 that prevents the end(s) from completely sliding outof the coupler 109 (and corresponding shoulder 119). FIG. 2D illustratesan isometric view of an embodiment of the spout 112 and the coupler 109assembled together prior to positioning within the fluid container.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an isometric view and a downwardview, respectively, of a coupler in accordance with embodimentsdisclosed herein, is shown. FIGS. 3A and 3B together illustrate thecoupler 309 may be an annular or ring-shaped device, with one or moreextending legs or dogs 321. In an embodiment, the coupler 309 may havebetween about 2 and 9 legs 321. In another embodiment, the coupler 309may have between about 4 to about 6 legs 321.

The legs 321 may have an amount of tension associated therewith thatallows the coupler 309 to be press fit or otherwise placed in situwithin the neck of an applicable fluid container. The configuration ofthe coupler 309 and legs 321 may be modified to accommodate differenttypes of containers. The tension provided by legs 321 need not be of anygreater significance other than what is needed to ensure a spout (e.g.,112, FIG. 2A) may be moved or otherwise extended therethrough in orderto aid in the improved fluid dissemination.

Referring again to FIGS. 2A-2D together, the spout 112 and/or coupler109 may be made of a flexible, yet durable material, such as a polyplastic (e.g., polyethylene). Other materials are possible, such asrubber, nylon plastic base, and so forth.

Methods and manners of using the fluid container 100 may include, forexample, purchase (or other form of acquisition) of a sufficiently fullcontainer 100. Following purchase, the consumer takes the container 100to a vehicle (such as an automobile), opens the hood or otherwise gainsaccess to the engine, and removes the filler cap to expose the oilfiller hole of the engine. Such vehicle hood, filler cap, oil fillerhole and engine may be of well-known conventional type and so need notbe shown. The user then removes the cap 108, moves the spout 112 fromthe first position to the second position, and tips or otherwise invertsthe container whereby the first end 113 of the spout 112 may be directedtoward the oil filler hole. Typically gravity may then drain fluid fromthe container 100 and into the oil receiving portion of the engine.

In assembly the container 100 may be formed by conventional methods.Likewise, the spout 112 and coupler 109 may be formed or otherwisemanufactured by known methods, such as injection molding, blow molds, 3Dprinting, and so forth. The spout 112 and coupler 109 may then be pressfit or otherwise urged into the container 100, and thus into the firstposition. Then the cap placed thereon, and the container 100 now readyto be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a longitudinal side view of a fluidcontainer having an extendable spout movable from a first position and asecond position, respectively, in accordance with embodiments disclosedherein, is shown.

Fluid container 400 may be as described herein and in other embodiments(such as fluid container 100, etc.), and as otherwise understood to oneof skill in the art. As fluid container 400 (including spout 412 andcoupler 409) resembles container 100 in many ways, discussion directedto components, assembly, materials, etc. is limited in order to avoidredundancy; however, that does not mean that container 400 is meant tobe limited to embodiments like that of 100, as other embodiments andconfigurations are possible, as would be apparent to one of skill in theart.

One particular area of distinction the presence of a corrugation 419.The use of a corrugation 419 may provide additional flexibility to thespout 412.

Although not limited to any particular shape or form, the fluidcontainer 400 may include a top 401, a bottom 402, and front, rear, andside walls 403, respectively. In essence, the front, rear, and sidewalls 103 of the fluid container may form a peripheral wall connectingthe top 401 and bottom 102, and defining therewith a reservoir (orliquid storage chamber) 404. An opening 405 may be formed in the top401. The opening may be configured with a neck 406. The neck 406 may beconfigured with threads 407, whereby a cap or cover 408 may bethreadingly disposed thereon and engaged therewith. With the presence ofthe cap 408, the fluid container 400 may have a fluid tight seal.

The opening 405 and neck 406 may have a coupler 409 disposed therein.The coupler 409 may be configured with a first hole (e.g., 310, FIG. 3A)for a spout 412 to slidingly pass therethrough. The spout 412 may have afirst end 413, and a second end 114. As shown, in a first (or “stored”)position the first send 413 may be proximate to the coupler 409 (FIG.4A), and in a second (or “extended”) position the second end 414 may beproximate the coupler 409 (FIG. 4 B). One or both of the first end 113and second end 114 may be configured with a lip or stopper 115 thatprevents the end(s) from completely sliding out of the coupler 109.

Although embodiments described herein may make reference todissemination of motor oil, the disclosure is not meant to be limited asembodiments herein may be suitable for or otherwise used with otherliquids in a suitable container for wiper fluid, transmission fluid,brake fluid or any other fluid or liquid that must be disseminated froma container, and where spillage or emissions are undesirable.

Advantages.

Advantages of the disclosure provide for easy and rapid fluiddissemination from a bottle without the need to acquire extra parts. Theuse of a self-contained spout and coupler assembly provides a usersimple way of extending the reach of pourability.

When pouring is made easier, spillage is reduced; when spillage isreduced, time and materials needed for cleanup of (potentially hazardousmaterials) are reduced.

While embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described,modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and teachings of the disclosure. Theembodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not intended tobe limiting. Many variations and modifications of the disclosurepresented herein are possible and are within the scope of thedisclosure. Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated,such express ranges or limitations should be understood to includeiterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within theexpressly stated ranges or limitations. The use of the term “optionally”with respect to any element of a claim is intended to mean that thesubject element is required, or alternatively, is not required. Bothalternatives are intended to be within the scope of any claim. Use ofbroader terms such as comprises, includes, having, etc. should beunderstood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of,consisting essentially of, comprised substantially of, and the like.

Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the descriptionset out above but is only limited by the claims which follow, that scopeincluding all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each andevery claim is incorporated into the specification as an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Thus, the claims are a further description andare an addition to the preferred embodiments of the disclosure. Theinclusion or discussion of a reference is not an admission that it isprior art to the present disclosure, especially any reference that mayhave a publication date after the priority date of this application. Thedisclosures of all patents, patent applications, and publications citedherein are hereby incorporated by reference, to the extent they providebackground knowledge; or exemplary, procedural or other detailssupplementary to those set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid container comprising: a reservoirconfigured for holding a fluid, the reservoir defined by a top, abottom, and a surrounding wall formed therebetween; an opening in thetop configured for filling fluid into the reservoir; a neck proximate tothe opening; a coupler configured for coupling a spout to the fluidcontainer, wherein the spout is slidingly movable through the couplerfrom a first position to a second position.
 2. The fluid container ofclaim 1, wherein the fluid container further comprises at least some ofthe fluid.
 3. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the fluid is aliquid.
 4. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprisesa hydrocarbon.
 5. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the liquidcomprises motor oil.
 6. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein thefluid container comprises a volume of the fluid of about 0.1 to about 1quart.
 7. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the first positioncomprises the spout at least partially within the reservoir.
 8. Thefluid container of claim 1, wherein the second position comprises thespout at least partially within the reservoir.
 9. The fluid container ofclaim 1, wherein the first position comprises a stored position, andwherein the second position comprises a dissemination position.
 10. Thefluid container of claim 1, wherein the coupler comprises a ventconfigured to provide pressure equalization between inside and outsidethe reservoir.
 11. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the spoutcomprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first positioncomprises the first end proximate to the neck, and wherein the secondposition comprises the second end proximate to the neck.
 12. The fluidcontainer of claim 1, the fluid container comprises a cap threadinglyengaged with the neck in a locked position.
 13. The fluid container ofclaim 12, wherein the cap is configured to be actuatable from the lockedposition to an unlocked position.
 14. The fluid container of claim 13,wherein upon being moved to the unlocked position, a bias member isenabled, and wherein the bias member is configured to urge the spoutfrom the first position to the second position.
 15. A large mouth motoroil bottle comprising: a reservoir configured for holding motor oil, thereservoir defined by a top, a bottom, and a surrounding wall formedtherebetween; an opening in the top configured for filling fluid intothe reservoir; a neck proximate to the opening; a flexible couplerconfigured for coupling a spout to the large mouth oil container,wherein the spout is configured to, upon activation, slidingly movethrough the coupler from a first position to a second position.
 16. Thelarge mouth motor oil bottle of claim 15, wherein the bottle furthercomprises at least some motor oil.
 17. The fluid container of claim 16,wherein the large mouth motor oil bottle comprises a volume of motor oilof about 0.1 to about 1.5 quarts.
 18. The fluid container of claim 17,wherein the first position comprises the spout at least partially withinthe reservoir, and wherein the second position comprises the spout atleast partially within the reservoir.
 19. The fluid container of claim18, wherein the spout comprises a first end and a second end, whereinthe first position further comprises the first end proximate to theneck, and wherein the second position further comprises the second endproximate to the neck.
 20. The fluid container of claim 19, wherein thespout is moved from the first position to the second position.